BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS– The road to the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire festival has officially opened as organisers invite African creatives to sharpen their professional tools.
In a continued partnership with the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC), MTN Bushfire has launched the call for applications for the 2026 Arts Round Table (ART) capacity-building program. The initiative aims to strengthen cross-continental linkages and foster long-term industry growth across the African creative ecosystem.
The 2026 program is structured to provide both digital and physical learning spaces, featuring two strategic online sessions in March and April, followed by the flagship in-person workshop at House On Fire on May 29, 2026.
The first phase of the program kicks off on March 12, 2026 with an online session titled “Embracing AI in the Creative Industry.” This session is designed to empower creatives to use artificial intelligence to their advantage while exploring practical interventions to protect their work from unethical or unauthorized usage. Interested professionals must submit their applications by Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The digital journey continues on April 16, 2026 with a workshop focused on “Developing Independence.” This session will serve as a vital space for independent artists to access insights on strategies for securing professional bookers and managers. The deadline for this session is Friday, April 2, 2026.
The in-person Arts Round Table, scheduled for the festival’s opening Friday on May 29, 2026, has become a credible initiative for professionalizing the African arts sector. This year, the forum will explore themes ranging from mental health in the creative industry to the importance of networking events.
A key focus will also be placed on “Building Bridges,” exploring global collaboration to grow artist export through established corridors such as Reeperbahn, ADE, and CollaboNation. Applications for the in-person convention close on Friday, April 17, 2026, with successful applicants set to be notified by April 24, 2026.
The partnership creates a strategic connection between the Africa Rising Music Conference in Johannesburg (May 22–23, 2026) and the MTN Bushfire Festival in Eswatini (May 29–31, 2026). As part of this exchange, ARMC will facilitate a 14-person delegation of industry professionals and media to attend the festival.
This exchange supports artist mobility and international exposure, with selected artists set to perform across three festival stages while delegates share their knowledge at the Round Table.
How to Apply
Creatives are encouraged to apply through the official links:
- March 12 (AI Session): bit.ly/4c618Os
- April 16 (Independence): bit.ly/3Oiqv5M
- May 29 (In-person): bit.ly/ArtsRoundTable2026
Organisers have urged artists not to miss out on this interactive program curated to foster peer-to-peer learning and meaningful connections within the global music and arts ecosystem.
#MTNBushfire2026 #ArtsRoundTable #ARMC2026 #BringYourFire #AfricanCreatives #EswatiniArts #MusicInnovation #HouseOnFire
(Courtesy Pic)
